Environmental Justice and Society in the 21st Century

Description du cours

This interactive mini-course aims to explore the intersection of social factors and environmental challenges, focusing on why certain communities face more pollution, flooding, and climate-related disasters than others. It emphasizes the concept of environmental justice, which encompasses fair access to clean air, safe water, and a healthy planet, while examining how income, race, gender, and politics influence these environmental issues.

Through the lens of environmental sociology, students will learn that environmental problems are not merely scientific or technical but are deeply rooted in social contexts. The course includes a variety of learning methods such as lectures, discussions, videos, and group activities, allowing participants to engage with real-world examples of environmental justice movements from diverse regions, including Canada and Africa. Key topics will cover climate change and inequality, youth activism, urban pollution, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable community development.
Students will collaborate in small teams on a mini-project that addresses a specific environmental issue, such as reducing plastic waste or improving access to green spaces. This project aims to integrate environmental and social perspectives, fostering creativity, teamwork, and communication skills. The course will also address serious topics like environmental injustice and the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable populations, ensuring discussions are handled respectfully and age-appropriately, with a focus on hope and community solutions.
Additionally, the course will feature guest sessions or recorded interviews with researchers and community advocates in the fields of environmental justice and sustainability. By the end of the week, students will be equipped to define environmental justice, identify the social dimensions of environmental problems, recognize youth leadership in activism, propose equitable community solutions, and reflect on their roles in fostering a just and sustainable world.

Mandatory attendance is required for the final session, which includes a group project showcase and reflection activity. While no lab training is necessary, consistent participation throughout the week is expected. The course is designed for students in grades 8 to 11, providing them with insights into how sociologists, environmental scientists, and activists collaborate to address pressing environmental issues, reinforcing the idea that justice for people and the planet is interconnected.
The delivery format consists of in-person, seminar-style sessions featuring interactive discussions, multimedia presentations, and small-group activities. The proposed schedule includes an introduction to environmental sociology and justice, conversations on social inequality and climate change, exploration of Indigenous knowledge and community action, youth activism, and a project showcase on community-based solutions.